The aide declined to elaborate on the talks, other than to confirm that Van Hollen shared with Rangel some of his “observations.” Many Democrats fear that if Rangel’s case goes to trial before a congressional panel in September it could become a “political circus” and undermine Democrats’ chances to retain control of the House.

The ethics panel has been examining for nearly two years a number of allegations against Rangel, including that he failed to pay taxes on a villa and improperly used his office to solicit contributions to a college center named in his honor.

The 80-year-old Democrat from New York, one of the most senior members of Congress, has denied any wrongdoing and says he welcomes the opportunity to clear himself.

“Everybody is uncomfortable about this,” one House Democrat told Reuters, asking not to be identified by name. “I think we can keep the House, but we don’t want it jeopardized by this.”

A number of Democrats said Rangel should have an opportunity to defend himself and decide for himself whether to cut any deals with House prosecutors.

A possible deal could include Rangel admitting to at least some charges in return for a public admonishment or censure rather than expulsion from Congress.

Another House Democrat, who also asked not to be identified by name, said Rangel should make the call:”But politically this could really hurt us.”

Rep. Rosa DeLauro , a Connecticut Democrat says: “It’s absolutely his call. I don’t know what he is going to do.”

Photo Credit: REUTERS/Jason Reed (Rangel at a memorial service for U.S. Congressman John Murtha, March 3, 2010)

Oh, Charlie Rangel, Charlie Rangel! The media is in overdrive over the last few days day noting the ethics allegations surrounding Rep. Charlie Rangel. Today’s story from wall to wall is “whether his ethics woes will hurt them in the November election.” Juicy stuff.

There’s no doubt that the Rangel ethics matter is serious. It may even be time for the 20-term Congressman to gracefully retire before the probe permanently tarnishes his legacy.

But while the ethics investigation into a House Democrat has generated considerable attention, you may not have heard that a conservative Republican senator is cooperating with a federal criminal investigation of another conservative Republican senator.

Politico–”Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) has turned over e-mails to federal authorities investigating Sen. John Ensign’s extramarital affair with a campaign aide, the latest sign that the criminal probe into the embattled Nevada Republican is picking up steam.”

Here we have John Ensign, a “family values” conservative Republican, who had an extra-marital sexual relationship with his friend’s wife, while condemning others’ moral failings. Ensign’s parents paid hush-money. Ensign ignored ethics laws and used his office to arrange lobbying jobs for his mistress’ husband. The likelihood of Ensign being indicted seems certain.

And yet, there’s no media frenzy. No reporters staked out in front of Ensign’s home. No daily segments on the Sean Hannity Show speculating about the need for Ensign to resign in disgrace. Instead, the media’s just fascinated with Charlie Rangel. Rangel is facing a probe from the House ethics committee, while Ensign is under scrutiny from the FBI!

It never ceases to amaze me how something like Rangel’s ethics probe undermines his whole party in an election year, while Ensign’s sex-ethics-corruption scandal is considered irrelevant to the Republican Party.

Author Profile

Thomas Ferraro joined Reuters in 1998; he has helped cover a number of presidential campaigns and is a veteran of Capitol Hill where he has seen Democratic and Republican majorities rise and fall. He has also covered a number of Supreme Court confirmation battles, including those of four nominees now on the highest U.S. court.